Should I pay double because I have twins?

[pinkandred]

My twins are in reception and one of the mums has made a suggestion that instead of everyone buying bits and bobs for the teacher as an end of term present that maybe we should all put in a fiver and either give her the money or get her some vouchers to spend on whatever she wants.

I'm happy to do this but its been made obvious (without saying it in so many words) that £10 is expected from me.

I would never expect not to pay for one of my children because they are twins but in this case, its not a fee or charge for something, its a gesture for the teacher and is presumably in most, if not all cases, coming out of the parents pocket rather than the child's.

Not all parents are contributing anyway as some either prefer not to or have already made their own arrangements. I know I dont need to contribute at all but I think on the whole its a good idea and it saves me buying something for £5 such as chocs/flowers. But, is it right that they are expecting me to contribute double?

The reality is some mums of twins want special treatment. Mums with no twins can see right through this. You have two kids in the same class. I have two kids in different classes. Pay the £10 or do your own teacher present and stop using the twin status as a right to a discount.

By the way the mums of twins who would pay the £10 sound far more reasonable and understanding.

presents for your estate agent!?! jeez

this is all a symptom of affluenza. why have we all become so materialistic to the point where simply saying thankyou and - here's the key bit - MEANING it, is no longer enough?

let's stop the insanity. then getting a present will become special again.

So because I like giving presents, that makes me materialistic?

Or is it just that you can't believe that EAs can do a great job?

op,your real problem is that you are bothered what others think.
Once you reduce your fear of that,you are much freer to do what you want to do.

I'm sure EAs can do a great job. For which they get paid. For which they get commission. And I wouldn't presume to comment on whether you personally are materialistic in nature, Prima.

But it's a part of a mad situation that's been created where everyone buys everyone presents every five minutes just for doing what they are supposed - and paid - to do.

How is saying "thank-you" made more significant and meaningful by the addition of some M&S bubblebath?

You are one parent/set of parents you pay once. IMHO.

I agree with SarkyWench's comment on the first page. It really doesn't seem like a big deal whether you give £5 or £10, and anyone who made a fuss about it would seem to be overreacting to me. Give a fiver if you want, especially if money is tight, and if anyone comments on it then politely say something like "OK, well I don't have any more money on me at the moment, so I'll just have to take what I've given you back and buy an independent gift instead of contributing to the group one"